What energy drinks cost on Carnival ships
Energy drinks on Carnival cruise ships cost between $7 and $10 per can or bottle, depending on the brand and ship. The exact price varies by which Carnival vessel you board—newer ships sometimes price differently than older ones—and whether you buy from a poolside bar, the main dining room, or a specialty café. Coca-Cola products (including energy drinks under that umbrella) tend to cluster at the lower end, while premium or imported brands run higher.
These prices are significantly higher than what you would pay on land. A single energy drink that costs $2 to $3 at a grocery store becomes a $7 to $10 purchase onboard. The markup reflects the ship's operating costs and the fact that you cannot leave to buy elsewhere once you are at sea.
Key Takeaways
- Energy drinks on Carnival ships typically range from $7 to $10 per serving, roughly three to five times the retail price on land.
- Beverage packages that include unlimited drinks do not usually cover energy drinks—they cover soft drinks, coffee, and alcoholic beverages instead.
- You can bring your own energy drinks aboard in your carry-on luggage, which Carnival allows for personal consumption.
- Prices are highest at poolside bars and specialty venues; the main dining room is sometimes slightly cheaper.
- Asking your server or bartender for the exact price before ordering prevents surprise charges on your onboard account.
Beverage packages and what they cover
Carnival offers several beverage packages, but most do not include energy drinks. The standard Bottomless Bubbles package covers unlimited soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juices—but not energy drinks. The Cheers! package adds unlimited alcoholic drinks but still excludes energy drinks. The Premium Beverage Package includes wine, spirits, and beer, but again, energy drinks are not part of it.
If you consume energy drinks regularly, the per-drink cost adds up quickly. A seven-day cruise with one energy drink per day at $8 each means $56 in charges. This is worth factoring into your budget before boarding, especially if you rely on energy drinks for morning alertness or afternoon boosts.
Bringing your own energy drinks aboard
Carnival allows passengers to bring unopened, non-alcoholic beverages in carry-on luggage. This means you can pack energy drinks in your suitcase or personal bag when you board. The restriction is that you cannot bring glass bottles—cans and plastic bottles are fine. You can also bring drinks in your checked luggage without limit.
Many passengers use this policy to stock their cabin with their preferred brands and flavors. Once onboard, you can drink them in your stateroom, at the pool, or in public areas. This approach eliminates the markup entirely and gives you control over which brands and flavors you have available.
Where to buy drinks onboard and typical pricing locations
Poolside bars charge the highest prices—expect $9 to $10 for most energy drinks. The main dining room and casual buffet areas are sometimes $0.50 to $1 cheaper. Specialty coffee shops and juice bars may charge $8 to $9. The casino bar and nightclubs also charge full price, sometimes with a slight premium during late-night hours.
Vending machines in hallways and cabin areas, if present on your ship, occasionally offer drinks at slightly lower prices than bars, though availability and pricing vary by vessel. Your best bet for the lowest onboard price is to ask at the main buffet or dining venue rather than at specialty bars.
How onboard charges appear on your account
Every drink you purchase goes directly to your onboard account, which is linked to your room key card. You do not pay at the moment of purchase—the charge is added to your bill. At the end of your cruise, you settle the account before disembarking. This means it is straightforward to lose track of how many energy drinks you have bought and how much they total.
Request an itemized bill from guest services if you want to see exactly what you have charged. Some passengers are surprised by the total when they review their account on the final day. Keeping a personal tally or asking the price before each purchase helps you stay within your budget.
Alternatives to energy drinks onboard
If the price of energy drinks feels steep, Carnival offers unlimited coffee, tea, and soft drinks as part of the basic cruise fare. Coffee from the dining room or buffet is free and available throughout the day. Some passengers switch to soft drinks or coffee for their caffeine needs while onboard, which costs nothing if you have a beverage package or are already paying for meals.
The pool and sea air also provide natural energy boosts for some people. If you are looking to reduce spending, cutting back on energy drinks and relying on included beverages and rest is a practical option. Bringing your own energy drinks remains the most cost-effective choice if you know you will want them regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring energy drinks in my checked luggage?
Yes. Carnival allows unopened beverages in checked luggage without restriction. You can pack as many cans or plastic bottles as your luggage space allows. Glass bottles are not permitted in either checked or carry-on luggage.
Do kids' beverage packages include energy drinks?
No. Youth beverage packages cover soft drinks, juice, and milk, but not energy drinks. Energy drinks are typically marketed to adults and are not included in any standard package tier.
What if I order a drink and do not want to pay the price?
Tell your server or bartender before they charge you. Prices are posted or available upon request. If you are charged and believe it was an error, contact guest services when ready—they can review the charge and adjust your account if warranted.
Are energy drink prices the same on all Carnival ships?
Prices are similar across the fleet but may vary slightly by ship and age of the vessel. Newer ships sometimes have different pricing structures. Check with Carnival directly or ask at the bar when you board if you want to know the exact price for your specific ship.
Can I refill an energy drink bottle at the buffet?
No. Refill stations are for soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juice—not energy drinks. Energy drinks are treated as premium beverages and must be purchased each time.